What emotion do you feel when you can’t get what you want…ANGERRRR? What is desire, but a positive future expectation? What is anger but an unexpected negative outcome? It makes sense that when you can’t get what you want you get mad. Now you might argue that I don’t get mad; I get sad. From my perspective, anger is a reaction and sadness is a reflection. The first reaction is mad, a secondary response to not getting my way is sad. “Oh, too bad, so sad!”
Now, let’s get back to learning how to neutralize anger. If I’m mad about not getting what I want the first task is to determine is I had a realistic expectation? Think about the last time you got mad and ask, “Did I have an unrealistic desire?” The odds are that is where the problem lies. As humans we tend to be very selfish animals. We want what we want. When we can’t get what we want we get MAD. Want a cure for controlling your anger…lower your expectations and begin loving life as it is.
Playing with the words of emotion can be fun and self-soothing.
Have a nice day!
Feel free to add a comment or a question.
Doug Fox LPC, M.Div.
Choice Counseling
Choice Counseling Blog 